MY COLLEAGUES and I on Bexley Council share News Shopper's concerns about the future of Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

Back in January last year, I announced our campaign to save Queen Mary's in the chamber of Bexley Council and since then we have been doing all we can to raise this issue with the public, as well as participating in meetings with NHS representatives.

Our local MPs, David Evennett and Derek Conway, have also been raising questions in Parliament.

However, we find ourselves in the sad position of expecting proposals from the NHS/Labour Government to close our A&E department, the maternity unit and the children's wards.

We will be launching a borough-wide campaign to encourage all residents to complete the NHS questionnaire expected through people's doors and to respond they want to keep these vital services.

I see these proposals happening by the back door.

The next public meeting will be at the Bexley Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, at 7.30pm on January 31.

CLLR SHARON MASSEY

Cabinet member for health and social services